Words: Matt Dorman

The early frontrunners of PlayStation® 4 NPL Queensland will be decided this weekend when the top four all clash in Round 3.

Brisbane City FC v Brisbane Roar FC Youth
Friday, 13 March / Corporate Travel Management Stadium / 8:30PM

Brisbane City host a second local neighbour in as many weeks on Friday night when Brisbane Roar Youth look to inflict a third straight defeat on the 2013 Grand Finalists.

City will take heart from Kai Smith scoring their first of the season in last round's 2-1 defeat to Brisbane Strikers as they look to correct that loss at home.

Young Roar coach John Sime was dissatisfied with his side's performance in a 1-1 draw away to SWQ Thunder and will hope for an improved effort as they transition from the Foxtel National Youth League to senior football.

Brisbane Strikers FC v Western Pride FC
Saturday, 14 March / Perry Park / 6:00PM

Perry Park hosts arguably the match of the round on Saturday night when Brisbane Strikers and Western Pride put their unbeaten records on the line.

Karl Dodd has led Pride to first with two wins to start the season, featuring a goal in each from Harrison Sawyer, but the Ipswich club face their toughest test yet in Round 3.

Strikers came from behind to beat City last time out again aided by a goal from veteran defender Greig Henslee, who will have his hands full containing Pride's four different goalscorers to date.

Moreton Bay United FC v Sunshine Coast FC
Saturday, 14 March / Wolter Park / 6:00PM

Fellow pacesetters Moreton Bay United will host the other top-four affair on Saturday night when they welcome the unbeaten Sunshine Coast.

Jets saw off Redlands United to maintain a perfect start to life under Adam Piddick and will be full of confidence, especially with new signing Daniel Clark finding early form.

Standing in their way at Wolter Park will be an in-form Fire side which recovered from two goals down against FNQ Heat to salvage a draw and their top-four status.

Following their opening-round win, the fixture marks Fire's first away match of the season.

Palm Beach SC v Northern Fury FC
Sunday, 15 March / Mallawa Complex / 1:00PM

Palm Beach SC will be itching to notch the first win of their title defence when Northern Fury arrive on the Gold Coast on Sunday afternoon.

Following a week off, Sharks conceded a late equaliser against Olympic FC to ensure a stilted start to the campaign.

The champions will be without suspended defender Eoghan Murphy, but will be boosted by the scoring form of inspirational captain Justyn McKay.

Fury will need to overcome the challenge of a second straight trip south if their young side is to return to winning ways, having been edged 1-0 in Ipswich.

Olympic FC v Redlands United FC
Sunday, 15 March / Goodwin Park / 6:00PM

Winless in a combined four matches, Olympic FC and Redlands United are both desperate to kick-start their seasons with victory at Goodwin Park on Sunday.

Confronting the Red Devils is a 0-4 record against their hosts in PlayStation 4 NPL Queensland history and a 3-2 defeat to Jets last Friday, though Graham Fyfe's new player-coach role hasn't harmed the experienced forward's output as he leads the league with three goals.

Olympic will take positives from Rhys Meredith's late equaliser on the Gold Coast and a first home fixture presents their best opportunity to shed a sluggish start to the season.

FNQ FC Heat v South West Queensland Thunder FC
Saturday, 11 April / Venue TBA / 7.30pm

This match has been rescheduled for Saturday, 11 April due to the recently-formed Cyclone Nathan affecting weather conditions in Cairns.